Edited to add: The video of Sarah at the post has been replaced with a video that shows the whole song, not just a snippet. And don’t worry–the shots of Gage are still in there! 🙂
Happy Monday before Christmas! I hope your tree is up, your gifts are wrapped, and your lights are hung.
Or if they’re not, don’t feel bad. We are quite a long way from being ready here in the Smith abode. In fact, we’re pretty famous for wrapping gifts 10 minutes before they are to be opened. Procrastination is our friend, right?
Of course, the biggest Christmas-y thing we are looking forward to is the arrival of the Floridian Smiths who will land in Norfolk at 10 a.m. on Christmas Day.
My hat is off to Nathan and Meagan for braving travel with four kids under the age of eight with suitcases, car seats, backpacks, Christmas gifts, snacks, and drinks to wrangle. My 59-year-old brain gets overwhelmed at the very thought. But Nathan and Meagan are the dream team when it comes to organization and gettin’ er done. (By the way–today is Meagan’s birthday. Wishing a happy day to an amazing lady.)
I came across this note from Noah the last time they visited a couple of years ago. “I am thankful for your being at your house.” Is that not so sweet?
Last Thursday, we finally got our tree up with the capable help of Mr. and Mrs. Long.
Of course, preceding the decking of the boughs, we had our traditional breakfast for dinner repast and also did our sugar cookie baking.
It’s interesting the new traditions that new family members bring to the holidays. Usually, we just get the place and bake cookies, splat them down onto the cookie sheet, and whatever shape they come out in is the shape they are.
Well, Gage, being the uber artsy, creative type, saw the splatted cookies about to disappear into the maw of the oven and he said, “Um. Mom, do you have any cookie cutters?”
I managed to rummage up some that I had nabbed from a thrift store a few dozen months ago and Gage set to work.
As I took the above picture I was thinking back to last November and the first time Gage came to our house. So fun to see the difference a year makes.
After all of Gage’s hard work, we ended up with beautifully shaped and decorated, “non-splatted” cookies for the first time in the history of the Smith’s Family Christmases. I love all the good things Gage brings to our family
The best thing is that he loves my daughter well.
He and Summer give Sarah plenty of reasons to smile
Yesterday morning the Christmas-ing continued with a special presentation of the play, A Charlie Brown Christmas, directed by Gage.
Here’s another view. You can’t really picture just how long our sanctuary is until you see the view from the back of the balcony.
After the play, Gage presented each of the actors with hand-crafted ornaments depicting the actor in character. The kids were delighted!
Here’s a close-up of each ornament.
One of the highlights of the morning was that Sarah surprised Gage by putting together a sign language/ribbon dance song; he knew nothing about it till she was called to the stage. He was so flabbergasted.
Here’s a recording combining our live stream footage and footage from my phone.
The video opens with sign language, then goes to a ribbon dance, and then back to sign language. (The song is by Rend Collective.)
After the service, our friend Terry went to the stage to tell Sarah (through tears) how much her performance had meant to her.
A couple more photos of the sweet couple on the big day; their first time to work together on a big project.
Heading home after a job well done.
All of us wish all of you a peaceful and happy Christmas.
What about you?
Are you an early or late decorate/shopper? Leave a comment with a percentage in it that shows how much you have completed. 100% or 5%. Whatever is appropriate.
Have you ever flown with young children? Do you have any tips to pass on to other families that fly?
What are your plans for Christmas?
Since when did Sarah learn sign language? I was amazed–beautifully done. And Gage and Sarah did such a great job on the program. No easy task! They look so much more grown up in this year’s pic compared to last.
So glad the Florida Smiths can come home for Christmas. How Nathan and Meagan travel with 4 kids I don’t know, but my hat is off to them! I’m sure there will be chaos aplenty at your house with all the kids but it will be the happy, memory making kind! 🙂 I loved going to our grandparent’s house as a kid. So many happy memories like your grands will have.
I am definitely a late shopper–usually take it right up to Christmas Eve! However, this year I finished yesterday, so yay! Still have to wrap though and that’s a big job. We have our kids coming home tonight and staying through tomorrow, so we’re thrilled about that. Happy to have our chicks back in the nest for a few hours.
Much love and Christmas blessings to all you Smiths!
Love, Deb
Deb,
When our church did the dramas and special presentations, Sarah was taught some of that by the leaders. Of course, Meagan has always been an inspiration, too!
How wonderful to have Caleb and Amanda on the scene. Get those gifts wrapped and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! Sending Manteo hugs.
I am usually an early shopper and early December decorator. This year I primarily gave cash or checks. With one niece recently married and the other in college plus how busy I have been since my mom fell in August, I decided I would go that route this year. I had just bought my parents a new TV in July before they went in the nursing home in September so that is my nephew’s main gift. My brothers and sister-in-law both got cash. I bought a few things for my parents – books, Bath & Body Works, pajama pants, sweatshirt and a calendar. So I am 100% done with gift shopping/wrapping but 0% done with decorating.
I have never flown with kids that were mine. 🙂 I have been on many flights with kids so I applaud Nathan and Meagan for flying with 4 under 8. Plus they have to have a pretty early flight since they get there by 10 in the morning. No hints other than I did see someone on Instagram I think that said they gave their kids a melatonin type thing about 30 minutes before takeoff and they slept the entire flight.
The video was very nice. I also like the side by side of the two of them. Both of them have different hair cuts.
Phyllis,
Cash is a gift that is always appreciated and always needed–at Christmas or any time of the year.
You have, indeed, had a busy, crazy year. I’m glad you’ve been able to simplify your gift-giving!
Sarah and Gage are two of those people who pretty frequently change their hair style and manage to look good in about anything. 🙂
I celebrate Hanukkah. Many people think it is the Jewish Christmas but it is not at all. The tradition is actually u too give gelt which means money, and now has become more well known as chocolate coins. It is an 8 day holiday and my family didn’t get 8 big gifts. I celebrated by lighting the candles on the menorah and reciting the blessings. And I actually made latkes this year. Because I know most of the world doesn’t celebrate Christmas, and there are 39 holidays between miss November till the end of January ( I deal with serious brain fog I may be off my numbers). Today happens to be the winter solstice so I will wish you all health and peace and to enjoy the shortest day of sunlight in the year. And if you are struggling, remember it is ok to not be ok. From my struggling heart to yours I send consensual hugs just the way works best for you
Randee,
Hanukkah is such a beautiful celebration. I love learning more and more about it so thanks for sharing. I had never heard of the word gelt so I learned something completely new!
And thank you for the reminder to ALL of us that it is okay not to be okay. We all struggle and we all need the love and support of our fellow strugglers.
Happy Hanukkah!
Sarah and Gabe are amazing!! They look so happy! Can’t wait to see the going’s on of the whole Smith/Long bunch after the dust has settled for a long winter’s nap. Merry Christmas to you and yours and Happy New Year!
Kaye,
Happy is a good word to describe Mr. and Mrs. Long!
Love the line “after the dust had settled for a long winter’s nap.” 🙂
Oh my…first things first, I loved the signing/ribbon dance song. Sarah did a beautiful job and Gage’s obvious delight and awe was so lovely even from the side view.
The ornaments Gage did for his “cast” were fabulous. He’s so talented but that jacket was AH.MAZ.ING and he rocks it! 🙂 The love and time he and Sarah pour into the youth there is wonderful and such a blessing.
We have already celebrated 2 Christmases – one with my older son, his wife, and my mother, then one with the “big” family with sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, (about 30 people this year) – and we will do our little family (husband, younger son, and me) on Christmas day before going to my Sister’s to eat dinner (no presents, just presence) so I guess I’m done unless I pick up some more stocking stuffers for my younger son while I’m out. Everything is wrapped, baked, cleaned, and waiting! We are serving at church on Christmas Eve and that’s always such a blessing.
Yay for the Florida Smiths coming to the NC Smiths/Longs! That will be such a wonderful (and busy!) event! I’ve never flown with 4 small children but I have flown with 2. If they can chew gum, that’s always helpful and we took some “fresh” small toys/coloring books to entertain them. Safe travels to them!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
Suzanne,
Yes, Gage definitely rocked his Christmas colors. Not everyone can pull that off!
Two Christmases already with more to go? Wow. That’s a lot of Christmas in just a few days. Love to hear that you’re serving at church during all the other activities. As pastors, Steve and I truly appreciate your serving volunteers.
Merry Christmas!
Wow! Beautiful ornament and Sara’s surprise was wonderful! So awesome that all the Florida Smiths are coming to spread the holidays with you! Sounds like your Christmas will be wonderful!
My daughter that lives I. Fla came home yesterday and this evening after work we went to a very cool local mile and a half Christmas light display (it’s a tradition) Then finished her Christmas shopping. I have had the decorating done for about 3 weeks now. My wrapping for my 3 daughters is done. ( that is the bulk of it) We celebrated with my in-laws the Saturday after Thanksgiving before they went to Florida for the winter. We will celebrate Christmas Eve and Day with my 3 girls and their husband, boyfriend. The day after we will all celebrate with my husbands sisters and their families. Had my work party today.Tomorrow 2 of my daughters will help me wrap the remaining gifts ( husband’s stuff, his sister’s, etc) . Plus we still have do everything baking to do, so percentage wise I’d say about 90%done! Merry Christmas!!
Michele,
Ninety percent is not bad, considering all the things you’ve had going on.
Always nice when you can have help wrapping gifts. It can get to be a big job if you’re doing it all alone.
Enjoy the baking!
The Long’s did a wonderful job decorating your tree. And the Peanuts ornaments Gage made are AMAZING – such talent!! What a beautiful perfomance by Sarah, and I bet the Peanuts performance was wonderful too. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your Florida Smith’s in town (and Happy Happy Birthday to Meagan!!)
Sue Ellen,
Thanks for your compliments about Sarah and Gage; their talents go with each other so well.
Have a wonderful season!
Sarah did a beautiful job of signing Oh, Come Let Us Adore Him and Gage’s expression, even though from the side, was so dear. Those wonderful ornaments – what a wonderful thing to give to the kids. Know they will cherish it. Gage is one talented young man. So glad Nathan, Meagan and the kids will be coming – the house is never the same when they visit – especially at this time of year.
We are not home but traveling and so will not be home for Christmas – all the stockings have been hung with care – well, actually the gifts have been given before we left and not to be opened until Christmas Day. (We usually open one gift on Christmas eve and the rest on Christmas Day).. I did bring with us a couple tree candles and a little snowman with his arms open wide I got at an antique store, to help us celebrate. Love to all and have a blessed and Merry Christmas..
Sharyn,
Sounds like there will be a lot going on in your family and our family, too. You must be relieved to have the stockings and gifts all ready to go. Such a good feeling.
Thanks for your compliments about Sarah’s and Gage’s gifts. Such a joy to see them using them in church to make a difference in the lives of kids and teens.
Becky, speaking honestly you have two very significant ‘Dream Teams’ in your family. I am so excited that the Floridian Smiths are spending the holiday in Manteo!! It is very impressive that Nathan and Meagan organize and implement the effort!! Please take many photos and share with us. Sarah and Gage are quite the dream team as well!! The ornaments that Gage created look very professionally drawn, what talent!! Sarah’s sign language/ribbon dance was awesome!! The look of love on Gage’s face says it all.
My sister, brother & I plan to celebrate Christmas with 91 year old Mom in Roanoke Rapids, NC. Sister is an excellent cook and plans to provide our holiday meal. Praise God for talented family members!! Mom still lives in the same house that she and Dad built in 1954!! Praise the Lord again!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL,
Gloria
Gloria,
Yes, I agree, those ornaments are amazing, especially that they were personalized. I’m so impressed by artists in general and my son-in-law in particular.
What a treat to go back to a house for Christmas that has so much history in your family. What an absolute treasure. Enjoy your time together!
Love, love, love Sarah’s signing and ribbon song! Gage watching her with so much love is awesome. How fun that he decided the cookies needed a shape and they are so pretty decorated. You will have such a wonderful Christmas with your kids there and the grandkids too! My house is decorated, my shopping is done with the exception of a couple stocking stuffers but my wrapping is not done!! I put it off as long as I can and I can’t put it off much longer 🙂 My 3 children, their spouses and my 6 grandchildren, the youngest being 2 weeks old this Wed and the oldest almost 19 will all be here at Grandma’s too. I am so blessed.
I have never flown with young children, Thank goodness! ha!
Merry Christmas! Wendy
Wendy,
A two-week-old grandchild? That is such a precious, precious age. Holding a newborn is one of the greatest joys.
Enjoy your house filled with people you love. And maybe finish up that gift wrapping soon? 🙂
Sarah is amazing! So much talent in your family. I have been fully decorated for about a month. It is a huge job since I empty my hutch and China cabinet and then fill them with all things Christmas! I leave everything up until the end of January since it’s so much work. I am only baking two kinds of Christmas cookies this year and have three friends here for Christmas dinner.
Cindy,
Decorated for a month? Impressive!
I love that you are simplifying your baking and your entertaining; sounds like just the right amount for you!
How fun to see Gage and Sarah together. They are just so happy and so cute!! Beautiful performance Sarah!
I’d say 90%. Just a few stocking stuffers to buy and a couple of small gifts to wrap. That is my favorite part! I love to color coordinate the wrapping paper so that it all looks good together and with the decorations of the room. 🙂
I flew with young children back when mine were 15 months and almost 3. My only piece of advice is that if you give your kids Dramamine, make absolutely sure that you give it far enough ahead of take-off so that it has time to settle in their stomach. Otherwise, it will all come right back up. I speak from experience. We flew into a big thunderstorm and the turbulence was awful. I ended up wearing the Dramamine and the 8 oz bottle that washed it down. All down the front of me from shoulder to lap. Not much was untouched. I can laugh about it now but at the time, there was nothing humorous about it. Kudos to Nathan and Meagan. I’m sure they will have a system and it will all go well. Safe travels, Smiths!
Best wishes for a really wonderful holiday filled with joy, laughter and lots of hugs!
Lee Anne,
You sound like Steve with coordinating gift wrap; he loves to do that, too. I just throw the wrapping on and I’m done. Funny how we all have our way of doing it.
Good advice on the Dramamine for everyone who ever flies with littles. I know it was a horrible experience to go through when your little one threw up everything but doesn’t it make a great story to tell down the road?
Thanks for the good advice.
100%. The video is wonderful, thank you for sharing. Sarah looks the best I’ve ever seen her. Marriage and Gage agree with her. Peace and Merry Christmas to all the Smiths.
Lesley,
I agree. Sarah looks lovely and settled and oh-so-grownup. Thankful.
Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much for sharing Sarah’s performance. Sign language is so beautiful. I can’t wait to show the video to Ellie and Kate later today. They are going to love it!
Speaking of love, I love love! Seeing Sarah and Gage together is just the best. I am amazing by both of their creative talents and so touched by how they pour into the youth at your church.
I’m mostly finished with Christmas shopping but haven’t started wrapping. I hate wrapping. I love selecting gifts but the final presentation is not my gift. So that will come at the last moment when I have to do it.
What is fun for me is starting what I hope will be new traditions with our family. For many years we spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with our families in Virginia and several years ago we decided to stay in our home for Christmas and visit VA before or after the day. That meant establishing a host of new traditions.
Last year we added the 25 Days of Christ tree (affectionally known in our house as the “Jesus Tree”) to our celebration. Every night from 12/1 – 12/25 there is a short Bible reading, a couple of questions and a special ornament. The maturity of Ellie’s answers just from last year to this year is so amazing. Kate can’t quiet grasp the questions yet, but she’ll get there in another year or so. One of the many cool things about the Jesus Tree is that the scripture follows Jesus’ whole life, not just the Christmas story. It has become a meaningful way for us to keep the focus on the real reason for the season.
Sending all of our love from Charlotte to you this season. Merry Christmas!
Courtney,
Lovely to see your name here!
Thanks for sharing Sarah’s video with the girls. You never know an older person might inspire younger ones by using their gifts and talents.
Love your new staying at home/Christmas tree tradition. Those are the memories your girls will be telling their grandchildren many decades down the road. Isn’t it such a privilege to help our precious children make memories?
Hugs to you all!
The best part of the entire video was watching Gabe watch Sarah. My heart just melted. So incredibly sweet.
Julie,
I know. I LOVED that. He was so emotional and blown away by what she did. My heart melted right along with yours.
My Christmas has now been made. At least til my kiddos get here from Canada. Our 15 year old grandson was exposed in school on Wednesday so they are now quarantined til Christmas Day. My heart is hurting but seeing Sarah do sign language and ribbon dance has totally made my week. She and Gage are truly meant for each other. We are praying Ethan will text negative on the 25th so they can hit the road. They can’t fly because they won’t leave their doggie behind. To make matters more difficult our Florida house has renters on the 30th. So we have to undecorate and head back to TN. So we may get 3 days with them before they go see the other grandparents in Venice Fl. I am praying they can spend a couple days with us in Knoxville on their way home.
I am 98 percent done. My problem is I don’t know when to stop buying. ☺️
Merry Christmas to the Smith family!
Buff
Buff,
Yikes. Those are a lot of changes of plans for your family and your Christmas! I hope the details fall in place beautifully and that whatever details don’t fall in place will still be filled with peace.
So glad Sarah’s song has lifted your spirits in this stressful time. It’s such a treat to see her confidence and her joy in communicating the beautiful message of that song.
Mary Christmas to YOU!
100%
Gage is like the angel on top of a Christmas tree…He completes the festive celebration.
Mrs. Pam
The angel on top of the tree. I love that. And so true!